This guide will walk you through the top healthcare roles in demand, expected salaries, required qualifications, and how foreigners can apply for healthcare jobs in Australia. If you're planning to relocate, searching for health care assistant sponsorship in Australia, or simply want a stable, rewarding career, read on.
Australia’s healthcare system is globally recognized for its efficiency, and as we head into 2025, the country is experiencing an ever-growing demand for healthcare professionals. Whether you're a local job seeker or an international professional exploring healthcare jobs in Australia, there has never been a better time to step into the field. The need for skilled workers is so high that many health care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are being offered to fill workforce gaps.
In the other hand Australia is battling one of its most critical healthcare worker shortages in recent decades. With aging populations, expanded medical infrastructure, and post-pandemic reforms, the country is in desperate need of qualified healthcare professionals, especially from abroad.
Whether you're already a certified professional or exploring healthcare jobs in Australia for the first time, this guide gives you a detailed roadmap to understand the job market, career options, visa pathways, and salary expectations in 2025.
You might wonder—why is there such a high demand for healthcare roles? The answer lies in a mix of demographic change, healthcare reform, and positive government policies. The great news? These changes are creating outstanding career opportunities—especially for international professionals searching for healthcare jobs in Australia.
By 2030, more than 20% of Australians will be 65 or older. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for aged care services, chronic disease management, and in-home support. This ensures long-term job security for roles such as aged care workers, nurses, and home care assistants. If you're passionate about caring for the elderly, Australia offers both purpose and prosperity.
Many rural and regional areas in Australia suffer from a critical shortage of healthcare staff. But that’s not a downside—it’s an opportunity. These locations offer higher wages, relocation incentives, visa sponsorships, and faster PR options. Working in regional Australia not only opens the door to your healthcare career, but also gives you the chance to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, tight-knit communities, and a true Australian experience.
The pandemic led to an exodus of healthcare workers due to burnout and system overload. Now, Australia is rebuilding—and you can be part of it. There’s massive investment in hiring, upskilling, and modernizing the health sector. For foreign-trained professionals, this means more job openings, faster hiring, and a real chance to grow in a supportive environment.
Unlike many countries tightening immigration, Australia is welcoming healthcare workers with open arms. Many healthcare roles appear on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and employers across public and private sectors are offering visa sponsorships, relocation packages, and permanent residency support. The government’s message is clear: “We need you, and we’ll support your journey.”
The growing awareness around mental health has opened doors for counselors, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. With public and private funding increasing, this is a great time to enter a rewarding field that changes lives. Australia is becoming a global model for mental health care—and you could be part of that transformation.
Australia’s shift toward preventative care and wellness is driving demand for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and dietitians. These roles offer flexibility, strong pay, and growing demand across hospitals, schools, aged care, and disability services. If you're coming from an allied health background, you’ll find plenty of career options and work-life balance.
Instead of just listing titles, here’s a role-by-role guide with skills required, visa options, and estimated earnings.
Registered Nurses (RNs) form the backbone of the Australian healthcare system. From public hospitals and aged care homes to private clinics and remote community centers, RNs are in constant demand across every state and territory. If you're an internationally qualified nurse or a graduate looking to migrate, pursuing a healthcare job in Australia as a Registered Nurse offers not just employment—but a long-term career and potential permanent residency.
Aging population: Increased need for elder care and chronic condition management.
Burnout exits: Thousands of nurses left the profession post-pandemic.
Expanded services: Growth in mental health, community care, and telehealth.
Regional shortages: Remote areas urgently require skilled nurses, especially in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
If you're exploring healthcare jobs in Australia for foreigners, nursing is one of the easiest and fastest roles to migrate with.
Many employers actively offer healthcare jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship to qualified overseas nurses, especially those with 3+ years of experience or specializations in aged care or mental health.
To practice as a nurse in Australia, you must fulfill the following essential requirements:
AHPRA Registration
Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Nursing degrees must be assessed for equivalency
May require a bridging course (Outcome-Based Assessment or IRON program)
English Language Proficiency
IELTS (7.0 overall with no band below 7.0)
OR OET (B in each category)
Educational Qualifications
Bachelor of Nursing (minimum three years) or equivalent from your home country
Some diploma-holders may qualify with bridging or top-up courses
Work Experience (Optional but Preferred)
1–2 years of clinical experience improves your chances of employment and visa approval
Specialized skills in aged care, ICU, or mental health are highly valued
High employability with multiple job offers possible
Visa sponsorships available in both metro and regional areas
Clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
Diverse work environments: Public hospitals, private clinics, aged care, remote nursing
Strong support networks: Many employers provide relocation assistance, onboarding, and mentorship
Aged care is one of the top sectors looking for health care assistant sponsorship in Australia. Entry-level roles with Certificate III or IV can get you a job under regional sponsorship. Working as an Aged Care Worker or Health Care Assistant might be the perfect fit. As Australia’s elderly population grows rapidly, aged care has become one of the most in-demand sectors nationwide. For those looking for health care jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, this role offers an accessible entry point with clear progression and permanent residency pathways.
By 2030, nearly one in five Australians will be over 65, and the number of individuals aged over 85 is expected to double. This has put immense pressure on residential aged care facilities, community-based aged care, and in-home care providers—leading to thousands of job vacancies across the country.
To work in aged care in Australia, you’ll need a nationally recognized certification. Fortunately, the entry barrier is low compared to other healthcare professions, and many international applicants already meet or can easily obtain the required qualifications.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability, or Home and Community)
OR Certificate IV in Ageing Support (ideal for team leader/supervisor roles)
Basic English Proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent)
First Aid and CPR Certification (often required by employers)
Police Clearance (Australian or equivalent from your home country)
Many Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and TAFEs across Australia offer these programs with flexible schedules, including online and on-campus options. Some employers even sponsor students to complete their certifications before employment.
If you're an international applicant, there are several visa pathways available, particularly in regional areas where aged care facilities struggle to find staff.
These options make aged care one of the most accessible healthcare jobs in Australia for foreigners, especially for those with limited clinical qualifications or formal degrees.
Starting in aged care doesn’t mean you’re stuck in one role. The field offers a clear upward career path with the right training and experience.
General Practitioners (GPs) play a critical role in Australia’s healthcare ecosystem. They are the first point of contact for patients and manage a broad range of medical issues—from preventive care and chronic illness management to minor procedures and mental health support. In 2025, GPs are among the top five most in-demand healthcare roles, especially in rural and remote communities.
Roles: Psychiatric Nurses, Counsellors, Social Workers
Salary: AUD 70,000 – 100,000/year
Visa Pathway: 186 Employer Nomination
Mental health is no longer a secondary healthcare concern—it is now a national priority in Australia. The government, private hospitals, and NGOs are rapidly expanding services to meet the rising demand. As awareness grows and social stigma decreases, mental health professionals are playing a central role in Australia’s public health strategy.
If you are trained in psychiatric care, social work, or mental health counselling, you’re in the perfect position to explore healthcare jobs in Australia for foreigners.
Here’s a breakdown of popular mental health roles, along with required qualifications, job settings, and visa availability:
Depending on your role, you may need to register with:
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) – For psychiatric nurses and psychologists
AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) – For social workers
PACFA or ACA – For counselors
Most of these require English proficiency (IELTS/OET) and a relevant degree or diploma recognized in Australia.
Salary Range: AUD 80,000 – 120,000/year
Visa Pathways:
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
Occupation List: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
Assessing Authority: ASMIRT
Registration Required: Yes, through AHPRA
Radiographers, also known as medical imaging professionals, are crucial to modern healthcare. They play a key role in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment progress, and assisting in surgical planning using technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
In 2025, the demand for qualified radiographers in Australia is rising due to:
Expanding diagnostic facilities in both public and private sectors
A shortage of local talent in regional areas
Increasing health screenings for aging populations
This makes it one of the most promising healthcare jobs in Australia for foreigners with solid earning potential and migration benefits.
Radiography is listed on the MLTSSL, which means multiple visa pathways are open to foreign professionals:
Salary: AUD 75,000 – 105,000/year
Visa Pathway: 189/190 Skilled Migration or 482 visa sponsorship
Australia is currently witnessing a healthcare shift from reactive to preventive care, and this has put allied health professionals—especially physiotherapists and occupational therapists (OTs)—in the spotlight. With a growing focus on rehabilitation, aged care, sports therapy, and disability support (NDIS), these roles are now critical pillars of the Australian healthcare system.
Physiotherapists and OTs are needed across multiple sectors:
Public hospitals
Private rehab clinics
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) providers
Aged care facilities
Schools and pediatric care
Workplace injury and sports injury centers
The demand is being driven by:
A rise in chronic conditions like arthritis, obesity, and stroke recovery.
An aging population that needs help with mobility and pain management.
Increased funding for NDIS, requiring OTs and physios for disability care plans.
A cultural shift towards preventative and functional healthcare.
Whether you specialize in musculoskeletal therapy, neurological rehab, or pediatric care, your skills are needed—and many Australian employers are ready to offer healthcare jobs with visa sponsorship.
If you're a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist from overseas, here's some good news: these roles are listed on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List), making them eligible for both skilled independent and employer-sponsored migration.
Your visa options include:
To be eligible for healthcare jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in these fields, foreign professionals must complete certain formalities.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.
Skills assessment through Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC).
English language proficiency (IELTS minimum 7 or OET B).
AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration.
Recognized degree in Occupational Therapy.
Skills assessment via OTC (Occupational Therapy Council).
Meet English requirements (IELTS 7 or OET B).
Apply for AHPRA registration post-assessment.
Average Salary: AUD 85,000 – 115,000/year
Visa Pathway: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482) → Permanent Residency via 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) or 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
Primary Work Locations: Public hospitals, private maternity clinics, birth centres, remote Indigenous communities
Midwifery is more than just a profession—it’s a calling that supports women during one of the most important phases of life: pregnancy and childbirth. In Australia, qualified midwives are in high demand, and 2025 continues to see consistent growth in job openings across public and private sectors.
From major cities like Sydney and Melbourne to remote outback communities, midwives are essential to Australia’s maternity care system. Whether you’re a domestic applicant or a foreign-trained midwife looking for visa sponsorship, now is the perfect time to explore healthcare jobs in Australia in this field.
Midwives in Australia play a central role in prenatal, intrapartum (labour), and postnatal care. Their responsibilities include:
Conducting antenatal assessments and education
Assisting with labour and delivery
Monitoring the mother and baby’s vital signs
Providing postpartum support
Supporting breastfeeding and mental health
Educating new parents about infant care
Depending on the setting, midwives may work autonomously or as part of a collaborative care team with obstetricians and GPs.
Several factors are driving demand for midwives:
Foreign-trained midwives are welcome in Australia, especially in regional and rural settings, where shortages are most severe. Many employers offer healthcare jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship to fill critical gaps.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Midwives:
Once registered, midwives can be employed under a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) and later transition to permanent residency through the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme or 189 Skilled Independent Visa.
Here’s a quick overview of the most relevant visa options for foreign-trained midwives:
Midwifery Jobs in Regional Australia: More Than Just a Job
Regional and rural areas in Australia are actively recruiting midwives, and they come with several perks:
Higher salary offers
State nomination for PR
Government-funded relocation bonuses
Supportive communities and better work-life balance
Opportunities to work with Indigenous populations and make real impact
Finding a job isn’t just about applying—it’s about qualifying, registering, and understanding visa options.
Have a recognized qualification (Bachelor’s or Diploma)
Pass IELTS or OET for English
Register with AHPRA (for clinical roles)
Nurses: ANMAC
Doctors: AMC
Allied Health: Varies by profession
Use platforms like:
Seek
HealthcareLink
CareerOne
LinkedIn (for sponsored roles)
If you’re looking for healthcare jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, here are your best options:
If you're a foreign applicant, be ready to tackle:
AHPRA delays (can take 6–9 months)
Skills assessment backlogs
Finding employers willing to sponsor
Understanding regional job benefits
To overcome this, work closely with a migration agent who can help with documentation, licensing, and employer matching.
Get your documents ready before applying
Target regional areas (easier PR, more jobs)
Showcase English proficiency clearly
Add telehealth or aged care experience to your CV
Tailor your resume to Australian standards
Apply early — recruiters prefer proactive candidates
Absolutely. Most healthcare jobs in Australia are open to qualified foreign workers, and visa sponsorship is available for high-demand roles like nursing, aged care, and radiology.
You need a Bachelor's or Diploma in Nursing (for RNs) or Certificate III/IV in Aged Care (for assistants), along with AHPRA registration and English language proficiency.
Yes. Roles like registered nurse, aged care assistant, midwife, physiotherapist, and GP are commonly sponsored by employers, especially in regional areas.
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have many openings, but regional Australia (e.g., NT, TAS, SA) offers faster PR, higher incentives, and easier job access.
If you have all your documents ready, it can take 3–6 months to secure a job and visa, depending on the employer and visa subclass.
In 2025, healthcare jobs in Australia are more accessible than ever, especially for qualified foreign professionals. With visa sponsorship, competitive pay, and clear pathways to permanent residency, Australia offers more than just a job—it offers a future.
By understanding your role options, preparing your documents, and targeting the right regions, you can turn your dream of working in Australia’s healthcare sector into reality.
